The number of UK cases of a worrying coronavirus variant from India more than doubled for a second week as authorities also monitor a new mutation of the virus, adding fresh doubt to UK plans to fully unlock the economy.
Health officials have now detected 3,424 cases of the B1.617.2 variant, also known as VOC-21APR-02, Public Health England said Thursday in a statement. That’s up from 1,313 last week, and 520 a week earlier. They’re also investigating a mutation called VUI-21MAY-01, with 49 cases logged so far.
“As we start to get back to normal life, it is very important that we do not become complacent,” Health security agency chief executive officer Jenny Harries said in PHE’s statement. “All of us need to remain responsible and vigilant.”
Nevertheless, ministers and officials this week have struck an increasingly optimistic tone, with the premier saying Wednesday that he has “increasing confidence” vaccines are working against all coronavirus variants. More than 70% of UK adults have now had at least one dose of vaccine, making the country’s program one of the most advanced in the world.